What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Public Defender I position at County of Kent?
Job Responsibilities
Join Kent County's Office of the Public Defender and make a meaningful impact by providing comprehensive legal representation to individuals in need. Work in a collaborative environment with experienced professionals, contributing to holistic defense services and innovative legal practices. Be a part of a dedicated team committed to upholding justice and serving indigent communities.
The Assistant Public Defender I is a professional legal role providing representation to individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Responsibilities include evaluating evidence, interviewing necessary parties, researching and writing any necessary court filings, and presenting case materials in court. More that 50% of the cases are misdemeanor however they may include low severity felonies.
Work is performed under general supervision in this team-oriented office.
Minimum Qualifications
Must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan and eligible to practice before Michigan and Federal Courts, and/or the capability of becoming licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan within six months of hire. Must possess a valid Michigan Driver’s License.
Required Education:
Possession of an undergraduate degree plus a Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Law degree from an ABA accredited institution or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Kent County offers job security, competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for growth.
Additional Information
Benefit Summary
Management Pay Plan (MPP), Exempt
Effective January 1, 2024
Medical and Prescription Plans/Health Care Premium
Health Care Providers – BCBS Wellness PPO, Blue Care Network HMO or
BCMS Wellness High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
Prescription Provider –Capital Rx
PPO or HMO: 20% of total healthcare premium per month – pretax
HDHP w/ HSA: 15% of total healthcare premium per month – pretax
HSA – One time new enrollment County contribution of $1,000 single or $2,000 family,
max HSA contribution $4,150 single / $8,300 family
Eligible for non-smoking and wellness exam incentives
Medical benefits will become effective first day of the month after hire.
BENEFIT ELECTION FORM MUST BE RETURNED TO
HUMAN RESOURCES WITHIN 4 DAYS OF HIRE.
Dental Plan - Varipro
Class I – 100% of incurred charges (2 cleanings and 1 x-ray per person, per year)
All other Services – 50% of reasonable costs (including Orthodontics)
Up to $2,500 annually per family
Vision Plan - VSP
No charge for WellVision Exam; $20 materials co-pay or up to $60 co-pay for contact fitting with participating doctors
Life Insurance
$50,000 County paid Term Life Insurance
Supplemental Life Insurance/Dependent Life Insurance
Self-pay in increments of $5,000; Minimum-$15,000/Maximum-$450,000
Spouse term life = $25,000, Child term life = $10,000
Flexible Spending - Varipro
Pre-tax contributions for Health and Dependent Care – only for HMO & PPO plans
Vacation Leave
6 hours 40 minutes each month – after initial month of hire (0-3 years)
See MPP Benefit Book for subsequent accrual
Paid Time Off
Pro-rated amount of 80 hours based on number remaining months in the year at time of hire.
80 hours on the payroll at start of the year.
May accumulate up to 120 hours
Unused paid time off in excess of 120 hours will be added to the employee's retirement bonus bank.
Paid Parental Leave
80 hours of paid time off for birth of a child or temporary placement of the child for adoption. Eligible the 1st of the month following date of hire, runs concurrently with FMLA
Sickness & Accident Plan
1st day of accident or 8th day of illness
67% of gross wages; 26 week benefit
Eligible 1st of the month following date of hire
Eligible for one-time S&A Supplement Bank of 48 hours.
Long Term Disability
60% of monthly covered earnings to a maximum of $5,000 per month; 180 day waiting period
Holidays
11 Scheduled Holidays
Probation Period
None - At Will Employee/Management Relationship
Tuition Reimbursement
$365 per credit hour; maximum of 9 credit hours per year (see policy for eligibility)
Mileage
Published IRS Rate
Deferred Compensation
Enrollment first of each month with a minimum investment of $25 per pay period
Retirement/Defined Pension
Mandatory participation in a Contributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan.
Employee contribution is 9.21% of pre-tax earnings
Supplement to Medical Benefits Premium
Based on years of service, employees may be eligible for a medical benefits premium supplement.
Kent County reserves the right to modify Management Pay Plan benefits.
- The above is a summary of benefits. For specific benefits information consult the MPP handbook and summary plan descriptions.
Salary : $2,500
